BANGALORE: In an attempt to encourage enterprises to upgrade computer operating systems to the latest version of Windows, Microsoft has said companies that fail to migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7 or 8 could end up spending over three times the support costs besides exposing themselves to more security risks.

Microsoft, which plans to end support for Windows XP on April 8, next year, said the cost of upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 or 8 will be about $95 or Rs 5199, compared to the cost of non-migrating which will be $300 or Rs 16,419. The data was from a study by technology market researcher IDC, released on Tuesday.

"This is an alarming situation as non-migration puts businesses at risk of security breaches and could potentially create a big dent to the company's brand image," noted Amrish Goyal, director, Windows Business Group at Microsoft adding that around 50-60% of installed PC base in the enterprises are still running Windows XP.

Windows 8, released six months ago, is the most comprehensive overhaul of Microsoft's operating system as the world's largest software-maker seeks to stay in sync with users who are shifting to touch-based smartphones and tablet computers. The sales haven't been stellar so far, according to analysts tracking the progress of the new operating system.

Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows XP means millions of laptops and desktops will no longer receive Microsoft's security and system updates post April 2014. Microsoft said companies that refuse to migrate from Windows XP could also incur costs related to business loss due to security, data breach threats and productivity loss.

Windows XP is one of Microsoft's more successful operating systems, which was not the case with Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

In a whitepaper released on Tuesday, IDC said organisations that stick on to Windows XP would face significant business risks both in the form of disruption of operations that could result in loss of revenue and potential breach of information from their core business applications.

"With the looming end of support (EOS) of Windows XP on April 8, 2014, organizations should not underestimate the need to put together a plan of migration from Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8. This migration not only has key business/IT drivers, but also has a very valid financial benefit in the form of investment versus cost avoidance," the IDC said.

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